Mabel's Hardanger -- now closed, see new thread

[Mabel Figworthy]

Well, the pastels were my original choice for the designs, so I'll stitch them like that -- but I will include the other shades as options in the chart pack (sort of saying "If you like bright, use these shades instead"). I think I'll do these for a in-between small projects, to break up the big ones

[BrownEyedGirl]

Mabel ~ I checked out your web page, I just love your designs! They are very beautiful. I'm especially enamored with the floral tiles. Just beautiful! I've never tried hardanger before but I may need to at least give it a try.

[rcperryls]

Those pastels are so pretty. I tend to always veer towards the softer colors but when I do something with bright colors I love it. So I am no help. I would guess it depends on where the cushion will be as to which of the groups makes more sense. Giving the option in the chart pack, lets the person decide for themselves.

Carole

[Serinde]

The design is just lovely. I really like the delicacy and elegance of these designs. I am going to have to save up my $ and think about them for my next afghan. Can these be done on regular Ann Cloth or Charles Croft Afghan fabrics? It would take quite a few designs I think, but it would have a kind of quilt look to it? I still have a lot to go with my current WIPs, but I am always thinking 2 or more (way more usually) projects ahead.

Carole

There are a couple of Charles Craft Afghan fabrics that are 18ct evenweave, so you could, in theory do some of Mabel's designs. I might stick to the non-cutting ones, though.

Thread may be an issue. #5 pearl will cover 14ct, I think (from memory), but not very well. Pearl #3 would do it, I think, but the range of colours is much reduced (although still impressive). DMC certainly does pearl #3; not sure about Anchor. Would it be possible to use a piece of 22ct hardanger fabric as if it were waste canvas? Or is afghan fabric too soft? See, this is what makes stitching so interesting!

[Mabel Figworthy]

I don't think you could use waste canvas on an afghan as it's a counted fabric itself, and you'd get "interference" of the holes.

On an 18ct afghan you could use #5 and #8, I would have thought, though it may not give quite the coverage you would expect for a piece of Hardanger.

As for the cutting, quite a few of my designs could actually be stitched in a non-cut version -- some time ago I tried an experiment to see which filling stitches could be done on top of the fabric, and found that dove's eye, square filet, spider's web and twisted bars can all be stitched in this way.

The only problem is that you can't do bars, so they have to be replaced by Kloster blocks, which makes the whole a little "heavier" in look. However, you could try (haven't done that yet, but will) doing what would be the bars in a cut version using a thinner thread in the non-cut version. What I mean is this: Kloster blocks in the original cut version remain Kloster blocks in the non-cut version. Bars (woven, wrapped or whatever) in the original version become Kloster blocks in the non-cut version but stitched with a thinner thread (e.g. perle #8). Filling stitches are stitched with the same thread, or a perle #12 if you can find it in the right shade.

Another thing to bear in mind is that a non-cut version needs a contrasting colour for the filling stitches or they'll be very subtle indeed .

Oh, here's a pic of the experiment I did earlier (it's also got fan stitch (not very successful) and eyelets):

[dollystitcher]

The more I see of your work Mabel the more deterrmined I am to have a go at something different. Can someone tell me how to fit more hours in a day so I have time for all the things I want to do

[rcperryls]

Ditto

Carole

[tiffstitch]

Thirded!

Edit: I also like the pastel version for a more traditional style of Hardanger, but the bright colours would certainly add interest. As several members mentioned, I think it would depend where and how it will be displayed. Giving your customers the option and listing a colour choice is a great idea!

[Mabel Figworthy]

I've just been thinking of which Caron threads would work for a variegated version, and of course you could use Anchor's white/silver and white/gold perle for a bit of bling -- these might turn out to be quite versatile

[Mabel Figworthy]

Got my perles for Seasons today -- so here is the stash needed for it (apart from the fabric; white for Spring and Winter, cream for Summer and Autumn), and I also got some large coasters (insert 90mm) to frame them in.

[Cockneystitcher]

Lovely colours.Look forward to what designs you come up with next.

With the Perle's No 8 can you use it on Evenweave and Linen for just for Cross stitch or would it be to thick?.

[Mabel Figworthy]

It would be quite textural, as the thread is round and wouldn't lie flat like stranded cotton. I think on 14ct (or 28ct over two) you could use it, but it might be a bit crowded where four stitches meet. I'll try it some time!

[Cockneystitcher]

Thanks for the info for that Mable.

[Evedeve]

I love your hardanger makes me happy so pretty and the colors

[toni99]

Oh, your perles are so yummy Mabel! They are my favorites, except I use them for crocheting.

[agi]

Lovely colours.Look forward to what designs you come up with next.

With the Perle's No 8 can you use it on Evenweave and Linen for just for Cross stitch or would it be to thick?.

In Hungarian folk art embroidery Perle no 8 was and is still used, for satin stitches on a kind of batist fabric, and for cross stitch on 22, over 2. My mum's tablecloth, that is in my gallery, I think, was done this way.
Edit: not in my gallery, here it is:

anyukám terítője - my mother's table-cloth by benceagi, on Flickr

Sorry to hijack your thread, Mabel

[Cecilia]

That's beautiful Agi.

Mabel, lovely stash.

[Mabel Figworthy]

Berrington Hall (I) is finished -- pics hopefully a bit later.

[Mabel Figworthy]

This one will go live Monday or Tuesday -- I took two pictures, one with a lightish background, one with a dark one; both show it in a different way, but for the site I've gone with the light version.

[rcperryls]

Beautiful. Both versions. But I think I prefer the light version. Seems more delicate to me. Or elegant. Both.

Carole